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Turkish Simit

Turkish Simit

Crispy, golden Turkish simit is a traditional sesame-crusted bread ring commonly enjoyed for breakfast across Türkiye. This authentic homemade simit recipe creates a crunchy exterior and soft interior using a simple yeast dough, a light grape molasses dip, and plenty of toasted sesame seeds.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course pastries
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 8 simit rinds
Calories 260 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowls for dipping

Ingredients
  

For the Simit Dough

  • 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water 105–110°F / 40–43°C
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Molasses Dip

  • ½ cup grape molasses pekmez
  • ½ cup water

For the Coating

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
  • Add olive oil, salt, and flour gradually. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
  • Roll each piece into a rope about 20 inches long. Twist two ropes together and join the ends to form a ring.
  • In a bowl, mix the grape molasses and water.
  • Dip each simit ring into the molasses mixture, then coat generously with toasted sesame seeds.
  • Place the shaped simit on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest for 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Bake for 15–18 minutes until the simit are deep golden brown and crisp.
  • Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For the most authentic flavor, use grape molasses (pekmez) in the dipping mixture.
  • Toasting the sesame seeds before coating the dough enhances the nutty aroma and improves crust color.
  • If pekmez is unavailable, mix molasses with water as a substitute.
  • Simit tastes best the day it is baked but can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
  • For a traditional Turkish breakfast, serve simit with white cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and hot Turkish tea.